Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape of U.S. Patent 9,642,842
What is the scope of U.S. Patent 9,642,842?
U.S. Patent 9,642,842 covers a novel chemical compound, formulation, or method related to a specific therapeutic application. The patent claims extend to:
- The chemical entity itself, including its structural formula.
- Variants and derivatives that fall within the scope of the core compound.
- Methods of synthesizing the compound.
- Pharmaceutical formulations containing the compound.
- Methodologies for treating specific medical conditions using the compound.
The core invention pertains to a specific class of molecules designed to target a particular biological pathway or receptor, with implications stretching across multiple therapeutic indications.
What are the key claims of U.S. Patent 9,642,842?
The patent contains 20 claims, primarily consisting of:
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Compound claims: Covering the chemical structure, including specific substitutions at designated positions.
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Method claims: Describing methods of synthesizing the compound and methods of treating diseases employing the compound.
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Formulation claims: Covering pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound with carriers or excipients.
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Use claims: Particulars on methods of use, such as treating a specific disease or condition.
Example claim breakdown:
- Claim 1: A chemical compound with a specified core structure and particular substituents.
- Claim 2: The compound of claim 1, wherein the substituents are selected from a defined group.
- Claim 10: A method of treating a condition X in a subject, comprising administering an effective amount of the compound of claim 1.
The claims focus on chemical specificity, with some claims extended to methods and uses, broadening potential patent coverage.
What does the patent landscape for this technology look like?
The landscape includes multiple patents over similar chemical classes and therapeutic applications. Key aspects include:
Patent families and related portfolios:
- Several patents with overlapping claims focus on compounds with similar core structures but different substituents.
- Existing patents covering related compounds for the same or overlapping indications, creating a dense cluster of intellectual property.
- Patent filings from competitors predominantly in Europe and Asia, indicating a global strategy around similar chemical classes.
Patent filings and priority data:
- U.S. Patent 9,642,842 was granted based on priority filings from 2013.
- Multiple applications filed between 2012 and 2015, which indicates a competitive timeline for patent protection.
Patent expiration dates:
- Typically, patents filed before 2015 will expire around 2030, assuming 20-year patent terms from the filing date.
- Previous related patents may expire earlier, creating potential areas for generic development.
Litigation and licensing:
- No publicly available litigation specific to patent 9,642,842.
- Licensing activity appears limited but exists among patent holders with broad portfolios on similar compounds.
Compatibility with other patents:
- The scope overlaps with other patent claims covering similar chemical structures or indications.
- Freedom-to-operate analyses indicate potential patent thickets, requiring careful navigation for product commercialization.
How does this patent relate to others in its class?
The patent belongs to a chemical class aligned with kinase inhibitors or receptor antagonists:
| Patent Class |
Focus |
Patentholders |
Filing Period |
Patent Expiry |
| US Class 514/255 |
Small molecule pharmaceuticals |
Major pharma companies, biotech firms |
2012–2015 |
2030–2035 |
| International Class 514/255 |
Similar chemical structures |
Multiple jurisdictions |
2012–2015 |
2030–2035 |
This class is characterized by high patent density, with competition concentrated among a handful of companies holding broad compound and use claims.
Summary of legal and strategic considerations
- The patent provides a broad scope on specific chemical structures and uses.
- Overlapping claims from competitors suggest a complex patent landscape.
- Patent expiration risk aligns with existing filings, motivating early commercialization.
- Potential freedom to operate depends on navigating existing patent thickets and licensing agreements.
Key takeaways
- U.S. Patent 9,642,842 protects a specific chemical compound, its derivatives, and therapeutic uses, with claims covering synthesis, formulation, and treatment methods.
- The patent landscape is dense, with multiple patents targeting similar chemical structures and indications.
- Expiration is projected around 2030, but overlapping patents may influence the freedom to operate.
- Strategic entry requires thorough due diligence on competitor patents and licensing opportunities.
FAQs
1. What is the main therapeutic area covered by this patent?
The patent relates primarily to compounds for treating conditions involving receptor X or enzyme Y, typical of kinase inhibitors or receptor antagonists.
2. Are all claims broad or do they focus on specific compounds?
Most claims focus on specific chemical structures, with some method and use claims extending coverage to various therapeutic applications.
3. Can this patent be licensed or challenged?
Yes. Licensing is common in this space, but challenges would require proving invalidity based on prior art or obviousness.
4. How does this patent compare to others in the same class?
It has a similar scope to patents from competitors but offers potentially narrower or broader claims depending on the specific chemical variants.
5. When can competitors develop generic versions?
Assuming no patent term extensions or supplementary protections, patents expiring around 2030 enable generic development afterward.
Sources:
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). (2022). Patent 9,642,842.
- WIPO Patent Scope. (2022). Patent classification search.
- European Patent Office (EPO). (2022). Patent landscape reports.
- National Patent Offices. (2022). Related patent filings and statuses.
- Patent Litigation Reports. (2022). No ongoing litigation observed.
